1.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
2.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
3.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Glomerulosclerosis in db/db Mice via SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr Signaling Pathway
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):11-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in ameliorating renal injury in db/db mice. MethodsThirty 8-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF)-grade male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week. Urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were measured weekly in both db/db and db/m mice. Successful modeling was determined by significantly higher microalbuminuria in db/db mice compared to db/m mice and a fasting blood glucose ≥16.7 mmol·L-1. The 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, the irbesartan (IBN) group, and three DSS dose groups (low-, medium-, and high-dose DSS groups, administered at 16.77, 33.54, 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). Additionally, the six db/m mice served as the normal control group. The IBN group received irbesartan at 0.025 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, while the three DSS groups received DSS at 16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, respectively. The normal and model groups were administered with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. All interventions lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After intervention, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary total protein (UTP), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatments. Renal histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of HIF-1α and VLDLr. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression and distribution of HIF-1α and Caspase-3. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased SCr, BUN, UTP, TG, and LDL-C. HE staining revealed glomerulosclerosis, mesangial matrix hyperplasia, capillary loop distortion and thickening, with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Protein expression of SIRT1 and CD31 significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels increased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), indicating hypoxia and apoptosis in renal cells. In all treatment groups, SCr, BUN, TG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05), and UTP was significantly improved in the medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). Renal tissue structure and morphology were improved, inflammatory cells were reduced, and no vascular hyaline degeneration was observed. SIRT1 and CD31 protein expression was elevated to varying degrees compared to the model group (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 in all treatment groups (P<0.05), with the most significant improvement observed in the IBN group and medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate glomerulosclerosis and lipid deposition in db/db mice, and its mechanism may involve the SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr signaling pathway.
4.Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Diabetic Kidney Disease in db/db Mice Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Sen YANG ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):28-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week, after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group, and three DSS treatment groups with different doses (16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1). A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention, general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24 h-UMA), urinary creatinine (Ucr), and urea nitrogen (UUN) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the mice in the model group showed curled posture, sluggish response, poor fur condition, increased levels of Cys-C, 24 h-UTP, 24 h-UMA, and UUN (P<0.05), while Ucr decreased (P<0.05). The GBM was significantly thickened, with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and ATF6 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased (P<0.05), and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal (P<0.05). After treatment, the mice exhibited improved behavior, normalized GBM and podocyte structure, improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups (P<0.05), suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice, possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells, although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.
5.Study on the mechanism of CD151 YXXφ motif point mutant regulating vascular permeability through vesicle internalization and recycling
Shupeng JIANG ; Shilang FAN ; Luying JIANG ; Zixuan ZHANG ; Mengmeng JI ; Houjuan ZUO ; Jingbo LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1003-1012
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the CD151 YXXφ motif point mutant affects vascular permeability by regulating vesicle internalization and recycling. MethodsCD151 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used. A modified Miles assay was performed to compare vascular permeability in the dorsal and postauricular skin of the two groups of mice under vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) stimulation. The CD151 YXXφ motif point mutant YALA was constructed and transfected into human endothelial cells (EA.hy926) using an adenoviral vector. Multiple experimental groups were set up to detect the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers to FITC-dextran under baseline conditions and after VEGF-A stimulation. Western blot (WB), RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression and distribution of VE-cadherin. The internalization rate of VE-cadherin was quantitatively compared using a cell surface biotinylation assay. Phalloidin was used to label F-actin to observe changes in cytoskeletal tension. ResultsThe Miles assay showed that under VEGF-A stimulation, dye extravasation in the dorsal and postauricular skin of KO mice was significantly higher than that in WT mice (all P<0.05). At 60 min and 120 min after VEGF-A stimulation, the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers overexpressing the YALA mutant to FITC-dextran significantly increased (P<0.05). WB and RT-qPCR results indicated that the YALA mutant did not affect the total protein or mRNA expression levels of VE-cadherin. Immunofluorescence revealed that the YALA mutant disrupted the continuous distribution of VE-cadherin on the cell membrane and its perinuclear co-localization with CD151 under VEGF-A stimulation. The cell surface biotinylation assay confirmed that the YALA mutant significantly reduced the internalization rate of VE-cadherin (P<0.05). Cytoskeletal staining showed that the YALA mutant caused the formation of thick tension fibers in the actin cytoskeleton of endothelial cells, indicating cell contraction. ConclusionThe CD151 YXXφ motif point mutation affects vesicle internalization and recycling in endothelial cells, influences the expression and internalization of VE-cadherin, and consequently affects vascular permeability.
6.Effect of Lianpu Yin on Improvement of Duodenal Microinflammation in FD Rats and Its Mechanism via NLRP3 Activation
Yang ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Shuhan ZHOU ; Ningfeng MAO ; Jiawei HE ; Yi ZHAO ; Zixuan XU ; Linlin LIU ; Xueyan WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1693-1698
Objective To investigate the effect of Lianpu Yin on duodenal microinflammation in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD)by regulating NLRP3 activation.Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group.FD rats were reconstructed by iodoacetamide method(2%sucrose solution containing 0.1%iodoacetamide),and the model was verified.FD model rats were randomly divided into model group,Lianpu Yin group and Moxapride group by random number expression method.After a period of two weeks of administration,measurements were taken to determine the body mass,three-hour food consumption,as well as the rates of gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion.The pathological structure of duodenal tissue was observed by HE staining.The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method.The expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in each group were detected by Western blot.Expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the blank group,body weight,food intake at 3 h,gastric emptyand intestinal propulsion rate in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and inflammatory infiltration of duodenum tissue appeared in the model group.Meanwhile,the expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins,as well as the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the duodenal tissue of the model group,showed significant increasing(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,rats in the Lianpu Yin and Moxapride groups displayed significant increasing in body weight,gastric emptying rate,and intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01).Additionally,inflammatory infiltration of duodenum tissue reduced in these groups.Furthermore,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein expressions,as well as IL-1β and IL-18 levels,significantly decreased in the Lianpu Yin and Moxapride groups compared to the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion Lianpu Yin can treat FD rats by inhibiting duodenal microinflammation and then restoring gastrointestinal motility,which may be related to the abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
7.Clinical efficacy of hiatal hernia repair combined with tunneled esophagogastric fundoplication and diaphragmatic dome suspension-fixation in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Bo FEI ; Jin GOU ; Chunzhao YU ; Zixuan RUI ; Jiyuan ZHANG ; Longsheng MIAO ; Fanggui XU ; Xiagang LUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1191-1197
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with tunneled esophagogastric fundoplication and diaphragmatic dome suspension-fixation (HHR-TEF-DDSF) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 32 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who were admitted to Yifu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from October 2024 to June 2025 were collected. There were 20 males and 12 females, aged (68±7)years. All patients underwent laparoscopic HHR-TEF-DDSF. Observation indicators: (1) surgical and intraoperative conditions; (2) postoperative conditions; (3) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were expre-ssed as Mean± SD, while measurement data with skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3) or M(range). Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages. Results:(1) Surgical and intraoperative conditions. All 32 patients successfully underwent laparoscopic HHR-TEF-DDSF. The operation time was (75±10)minutes, and volume of intraoperative blood loss was 50(50,100)mL. Among the 32 patients, there was no conversion to open surgery, no blood transfusion, no intra-operative complications such as unexpected massive hemorrhage or adjacent organ injury, no intra-operative adverse event or death. (2) Postoperative conditions. For the 32 patients, the time to post-operative first flatus was 1(1,2)days, the time to postoperative first defecation was 1(1,3)days, the time to postoperative first intake of liquid food was 1(1,3)days, the duration of postoperative drainage tube indwelling was 3(3,6)days, the postoperative hospital stay was 6(5,14)days, and the time to relief of postoperative dysphagia was 5(5,8)days. No obvious hiccup was observed in any patient in the short term after surgery. (3) Follow-up. All 32 patients were followed up for 7.5(range, 3.0-11.0)months. Among the 32 patients, 26 cases achieved subjective relief of overall postoperative digestive tract symptoms, and 32 cases achieved subjective relief of overall postoperative respiratory tract symptoms. The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) withdrawal rate was 84.4%(27/32), and the treatment satisfaction rate was 87.5%(28/32). The incidences of postoperative complications inclu-ding abdominal distension, dysphagia, diarrhea, and increased flatus were 21.9%(7/32), 18.8%(6/32), 6.3%(2/32), and 3.1%(1/32), respectively. Dysphagia was significantly relieved in all affected patients within 2 months after surgery, and no patient had persistent dysphagia by the end of the follow-up period. There was no death, symptom recurrence, or reoperation.Conclusion:HHR-TEF-DDSF is safe and feasible in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with favorable short-term efficacy.
8.Platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in treatment of knee osteoarthritis:an overview of systematic reviews
Yunyi ZHANG ; Songtao LIU ; Shaodong XIE ; Haifeng ZHU ; Guifeng QIAN ; Ming HUO ; Jie ZHOU ; Zixuan DENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):6138-6145
OBJECTIVE:The quality of systematic reviews/meta-analyses directly affects the reliability of clinical decision-making basis.Currently,there is no literature quality research on the systematic reviews/meta-analyses of platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis both domestically and internationally.This article will comprehensively evaluate the methodological quality,reporting quality,and evidence quality of the systematic reviews/meta-analyses of platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.METHODS:Computer searches were conducted on CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Embase,and The Cochrane Library.From the establishment of the database until January 24,2024,all systematic reviews/meta-analyses treated with platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis were collected.Two evaluators independently conducted literature screening and data extraction,and used the AMSTAR 2,PRISMA 2020,and GRADE systems to evaluate and summarize the methodological,reporting,and evidence quality of the included systematic reviews/meta-analyses.RESULTS:A total of 18 qualified systematic reviews/meta-analyses were included,and the results showed that the efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma might be better than that of hyaluronic acid.The methodological quality of all 18 studies was extremely low;4 reports had poor quality and relatively serious information defects,while 14 reports had moderate quality and some information defects.Among the 275 outcome measures of 16 systematic reviews/meta-analyses,there were 9 medium quality evidence,90 low-quality evidence,and 176 extremely low-quality evidence,with no high-quality evidence.CONCLUSION:At present,the quality of systematic reviews/meta-analyses literature on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid is relatively low.In the future,the authors of the systematic reviews need to strictly follow the entries of quality evaluation tools such as AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA 2020 in terms of plan registration,research type explanation,retrieval strategy,exclusion list,research site and funding source,bias risk analysis,publication bias evaluation,and public information acquisition,and conduct evidence quality evaluation on the combined results of the systematic reviews/meta-analyses to provide more reliable and rigorous evidence-based basis for clinical practice.
9.Research Progress on Evaluating the Blood Supply of Femoral Head Necrosis Using Imaging Techniques
Zixuan WU ; Haijun HE ; Shiyi SUN ; Cheng ZHANG ; Tongjie YANG ; Guangyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):571-576
Reduced or interrupted blood flow is an important pathological and physiological process in femoral head necrosis,so understanding the blood flow of the femoral head can help better understand the progression of femoral head necrosis.With the continuous development and improvement of imaging technology,the technical methods for detecting the blood flow of the femoral head are gradually being widely applied,allowing clinical physicians to better understand the blood flow situation of patients with femoral head necrosis.However,at present,the prognosis prediction of femoral head necrosis still mainly revolves around factors such as the area and angle of femoral head necrosis.Therefore,this article explores imaging techniques covering studies such as femoral head vascular imaging or blood flow perfusion parameters,summarizes their application research progress in femoral head necrosis blood flow assessment,and aims to provide more objective basis for exploring the prevention and prognosis of femoral head necrosis from the perspective of femoral head blood flow.
10.Drug interaction of donepezil combined with moxifloxacin
Xuemei SUN ; Zhenying ZHAO ; Yuxi WANG ; Peipei CHEN ; Zixuan LI ; Min ZHANG ; Fei YU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(6):517-522
Objective To investigate the drug-drug interaction between donepezil hydrochloride and moxifloxacin hydrochloride during combined administration through in vitro liver microsomal metabolism and changes in pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats.Methods A rat liver microsomal incubation system was constructed and optimized.Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)analysis of donepezil hydrochloride and high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)analysis of moxifloxacin hydro-chloride were performed.The pharmacokinetic and metabolic characteristics of the two drugs,alone and in combination,were compared in vitro using rat liver microsomes and in vivo using rats.Results In the liver microsomal system,the half-life(T1/2)of donepezil hydro-chloride in the combined administration 1 group was prolonged by 29.892%(P<0.01)and the intrinsic clearance(CLint)was reduced by 23.194%(P<0.01)compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group.Conversely,the metabolic parameters of moxifloxacin hydrochlo-ride in the combined administration 2 group did not differ significantly from that of the moxifloxacin hydrochloride group(P>0.05).In the in vivo study,the AUC0~t and AUC0~∞ of donepezil hydrochloride in the combined administration 1 group increased by 44.259%and 44.496%,respectively,maximum plasma concentration(Cmax)increased by 117.723%,T1/2 was prolonged by 98.063%,and CLint was reduced by 35.293%,compared with that in the donepezil hydrochloride group.Moreover,the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).The in vivo study findings were consistent with the results of the in vitro study.Conclusion A drug-drug interaction occurs when moxifloxacin hydrochloride is used in combination with donepezil hydrochloride.Moxifloxacin hydrochloride promotes the absorption of donepezil hydrochloride,inhibits its metabolism,slows its CLint,and increases donepezil exposure in the body.

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